(Asiad) Organizing committee apologizes for playing N. Korean anthem at S. Korean hockey match

The organizing committee of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games has apologized for playing the North Korean anthem instead of the South Korean anthem during a hockey match against Bangladesh at Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium in Gifu, Japan. The incident occurred before the match, with the North Korean anthem being played before the South Korean and then Bangladesh anthems.

The Korean Sport & Olympic Committee (KSOC) lodged a complaint with the organizing committee, demanding an official apology and measures to prevent a recurrence. Two officials from the Asian Games organizing committee visited the South Korean team office later that day to offer a formal apology for the error. The KSOC President emphasized the unacceptable nature of the incident, stating that it was unacceptable for the national anthem to be performed incorrectly at an international multisport event.

The KSOC vowed to continue demanding thorough investigation and preventive measures to ensure the focus remains on the athletes' competitions.

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